A Hands-On Path to a Career in Eye Care

Are you interested in becoming an Ophthalmic Assistant? Whether you're starting fresh or making a career change, the CEENTA-Central Piedmont Apprenticeship Program offers a 6-month, earn-while-you-learn path into eye care.

In partnership with Central Piedmont's Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program, this apprenticeship combines classroom learning and paid clinical work to prepare you for a career in ophthalmology or optometry support.

Program Overview: A Three-Phase Journey to a Certified Career

Phase 1 – Foundational Learning

Start Date: August 18, 2025
Location: Central Piedmont Central Campus

  • Learn medical terminology, ophthalmic science, and clinical techniques
  • Train in state-of-the-art labs and a 15,000 sq. ft. simulation center
  • Instruction by nationally accredited healthcare faculty

Phase 2 – Classroom + Clinical Integration

Split your time between:

  • Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program coursework, building advanced skills
  • On-site experience at CEENTA clinics, shadowing professionals, and learning patient care

Phase 3 – Full Clinical Immersion

  • Complete your rotational clinical training at CEENTA locations
  • Supplement your experience with online training in the OMP program
  • Work side-by-side with experienced physicians and technicians
  • Receive hourly pay and gain hands-on experience across multiple specialties

Clinical Specialties You'll Explore

What Happens After the Program?

  • You’ll be prepared to take the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam
  • Guaranteed job offer at CEENTA upon successful program completion
  • Program requires a two-year employment commitment as a full-time Ophthalmic Assistant

Program Benefits

  • Earn While You Learn: Get paid during the clinical phase
  • Real-World Experience: Work with advanced equipment and real patients
  • Education Support: CEENTA covers tuition and exam prep
  • Mentorship: Learn from award-winning eye care professionals
  • Career Launchpad: Entry into roles such as:
    • Ophthalmic Assistant or
    • Optometric Technician

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for:

  • Recent high school or college graduates
  • Career changers looking for a fast, affordable way into healthcare
  • Anyone interested in exploring the eye care field without long-term student debt

How to Apply

Application Deadline: June 23, 2025
Program Start Date: August 18, 2025

Apply To Our Ophthalmic Apprenticeship Program

Once you're selected through CEENTA's interview process, your spot at Central Piedmont is guaranteed.

What Our Patients Have to Say

I took my 5 year old, Drew, to CEENTA in September 2017 after his pediatrician recommended we have his eyes checked. We were told by Dr. Haney that Drew would definitely need glasses due to a strong astigmatism in both eyes.

- Corey C.
View All Testimonials
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